SunTrust Launches Solid Financial Foundation to Support Consumers' Desires for Savings, Financial Restart in 2011

ATLANTA, Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI) today launched Solid Financial Foundation, the bank's newest program to help consumers "live solid" and take control of their daily finances and financial future. 

Solid Financial Foundation helps clients reach their goals by evaluating their individual needs based on four key areas:  managing daily finances; planning for major purchases; preparing for the unexpected; and planning for the future. 

As a valued partner, SunTrust listens and gains an understanding of the client's needs and then guides clients to relevant products and services that best assist the client in attaining a "solid financial foundation." 

These recommendations often include an array of savings products, automobile refinancing, direct deposit, online banking with bill pay, mobile banking and more.  Automobile refinancing is an often overlooked way to save money that can be redirected to clients' savings.

Solid Financial Foundation responds to SunTrust research findings and aims to support a growing number of consumers who want to change their behavior to better manage their money and build their savings this year. 

Recent consumer survey results indicate that financial actions are top of mind:

• 79 percent of those surveyed want to keep closer track of spending.
• 67 percent want to establish a monthly budget and are taking steps to adhere to the budget.
• 64 percent want to spend less money and save more than they used to.
• 58 percent want to create a plan to become debt free.
• 58 percent said that re-evaluating their overall financial situation this year is a high priority.

Leroy Abrahams, executive vice president for SunTrust's Branch Banking Services, said, "The Solid Financial Foundation program speaks to the importance of developing a disciplined savings plan as one of the best ways to get your financial life on solid ground. In response to consumers, SunTrust is helping to address fundamental banking needs - from a savings plan to bill pay and direct deposit - to help our clients be in control of their financial lives." 

SunTrust features Solid Financial Foundation at suntrust.com/solid, where consumers can access tips for saving and learn more about savings accounts. Offerings include a personal savings account and premium savings account -- Live Solid Savings -- with attractive interest rates, money market accounts, CDs, IRAs, and online banking with bill pay. Consumers can apply for a savings account online or visit a local branch to discuss their individual savings needs.  

As part of its ongoing commitment to financial education, SunTrust also offers LiveSolid.com, an online resource center that provides hundreds of tools, calculators, articles, videos, and podcasts to help individuals make better financial decisions. 

About SunTrust Banks, Inc.

SunTrust Banks, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation's largest banking organizations, serving a broad range of consumer, commercial, corporate and institutional clients. As of December 31, 2010, SunTrust had total assets of $172.9 billion and total deposits of $123.0 billion. The Company operates an extensive branch and ATM network throughout the high-growth Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and a full array of technology-based, 24-hour delivery channels. The Company also serves clients in selected markets nationally. Its primary businesses include deposit, credit, trust and investment services. Through various subsidiaries the Company provides mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage, investment management, equipment leasing and investment banking services. SunTrust's Internet address is suntrust.com.  SunTrust Bank, Member FDIC.

SOURCE SunTrust Banks, Inc.